How to choose the perfect pillow?

When was the last time you thought about your sleeping pillows? If your answer is “it’s been a while”, you’re not alone. Mattresses get a lot of attention, and for good reason. Your mattress is the biggest and most important investment in sleep. But when it comes to sleep quality, pillows are almost as important as your mattress.

If you’re sleeping on a worn-out pillow and folding it every night to keep it comfortable, that’s a red flag that it’s time to update it. Even if your pillow is not old, it may not be the best choice for your comfort and support.

Why is your pillow important?
A good sleeping position is essential for sound sleep, night after night, and for waking up without pain and stiffness. Your pillow helps maintain a healthy sleeping posture.

What does that posture look like?

A straight body, from the knees and hips, through the spine to the chest and shoulders, head and neck.

If your neck and shoulders do not have enough support or are supported at an angle that causes them to twist, bend or crunch, this causes your spine and body to be out of alignment, leading to neck, shoulder and back strain and discomfort, as well as insomnia .

As with your mattress, comfort and support are important when choosing the right pillow. The best pillow for you is one that fits your head and supports your head, neck and shoulders and fits your mattress.

When is it time to replace your pillow?

As a rule, beds need to be replaced after 18 months. Memory foam pillows usually last longer, up to three years. Natural pillows tend to last longer than synthetic pillows. And higher quality pillows will last longer than cheap ones. If you’re using a pillow that’s five or six years old, you won’t get the support you need and you won’t sleep as comfortably as you could.

If you are not sure if your pillow is still functional, you can do a few simple tests:

First, remove the pillowcase and inspect your pillow. Are there sweat stains? Is it torn? Does it have an unpleasant smell? These are all signs of a pillow when it’s time to replace it. Pillows collect dead skin cells, mold, fungus and dust mites (as well as their droppings). Over time, as much as half of the pillow’s weight can be attributed to these unwanted organisms, which can cause allergies, interfere with breathing during sleep, and emit odors that make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

Fold the pillow in half. If it just lies folded and doesn’t return to its original shape, it’s a dead pillow. With naturally filled pillows, you can perform this test over your hand. Does the pillow cover you and hang over your outstretched arm? It is a pillow that has exhausted its useful life.

Fold the synthetic pillows in half and add some weight on top – sneakers or shoes, remove the weight and if your pillow does not return to its original shape, it is time to replace it.

Pillows Company Andrijasevic